Best Small SUVs 2026: Hybrid

Hybrid small SUVs are becoming the default choice for buyers wanting lower fuel use without changing the way they drive or travel. In 2026, the segment spans everything from affordable urban crossovers to premium plug-in hybrids, all blending efficiency with everyday practicality. The competition has never been broader, with refinement, technology and real-world economy now just as important as value and versatility.

Contenders

• Hyundai Kona Hybrid
• Chery Tiggo 4 Hybrid
• Honda HR-V e:HEV
• MG ZS Hybrid+
• Nissan Qashqai e-Power
• Toyota Corolla Cross
• Lexus LBX
• Range Rover Evoque PHEV
• BMW X1 xDrive25e

Winner: Hyundai Kona Hybrid

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Price: From $36,950 plus on-road costs
Drivetrain: 1.6-litre four-cylinder hybrid, 6-speed dual-clutch auto, FWD
Outputs: 104kW/265Nm
Combined fuel economy: 3.9L/100km
Warranty: Five-year/unlimited km (extendable to seven years with dealer servicing)
Five-year service cost: $3007 ($601 per year)

The second-best selling small SUV in Australia so far in 2026 is the Hyundai Kona, which is one of the better all-rounders in the segment. While the previous generation model was small inside, the new model is larger and more practical, far better equipped across the range and thanks to its 1.6-litre hybrid system, a lot more fuel efficient as well.

Pricing for the 2026 Kona range kicks off from $33,700 plus on-road costs, while the cheapest hybrid is $36,950 +ORC – in our opinion if you can afford it, the hybrid is a necessary outlay because its hybrid system is not only punchier, but it’s also significantly more fuel efficient than the 2.0-litre petrol engine. Surprisingly, the hybrid is the one with the geared transmission and the petrol features a CVT, which is the opposite to usual in the industry. Regardless of model, the Kona drives well with a great ride quality and improved refinement as well, especially with road noise.

Three models are available: base, mid-spec Elite and top-spec Premium, with the new Elite a recent addition to the range. Standard features across the range are impressive, including a 12.3-inch touchscreen with live services, keyless entry and start, automatic LED lighting and a full suite of active safety features. The Elite ($39,950 +ORC) adds larger wheels, heated front seats, leather trim and automatic wipers, while the Premium ($42,700 +ORC) further adds Bose audio, a 12.3-inch digital driver’s display, power tailgate, sunroof and inbuilt sat-nav. Those wanting sportier styling can add the N Line package on the Elite and Premium.

Where the Kona has seen the biggest improvement is in its interior design as it’s now more up-to-date than the previous generation, which felt dated in comparison to newer Hyundai models. The Kona’s cabin could be better quality, but there’s no denying the awesome practicality and pleasing ergonomics throughout. It’s far more modern than before, and the 12.3-inch touchscreen that’s standard across the range is easy to use, well featured and its screen quality is sharp too.

The rear seat of the new Kona is larger than the old one and two adults will fit perfectly fine this time around, while amenities include air vents and charging ports across the range. The boot is also now larger at 407 litres seats up and 1241L with them folded, while there are some clever tricks like a dual-level boot floor to add to its all-round practicality. Impressively, all models feature a spare wheel – it should be a given, but you’d be surprised just how many new models don’t feature a spare at all.

The new Hyundai Kona is a worthy competitor in the small SUV segment thanks to its all-round ability: it’s much more practical this time around, good to drive, more practical and it finally offers a hybrid drivetrain choice to reduce costs. Counting against it are surprisingly expensive service costs for the hybrid, cabin quality that could be better and that expense rises at the top of the range. Overall, the Kona is a great option and no wonder it’s the second best-selling small SUV to date in 2026.

Chery Tiggo 4 Hybrid

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Price: From $29,990 drive away (Urban hybrid)
Drivetrain: 1.5-litre four-cylinder hybrid, CVT auto, FWD
Outputs: 150kW/310Nm
Combined fuel economy: 5.4L/100km
Warranty: Seven-year/unlimited km
Five-year service cost: $1495 ($299 per year)

Wheels Best Small SUV: Value for a second consecutive year, the Chery Tiggo 4 is a serious entrant in this segment because it’s well-equipped, practical, affordable to service and covered by a long and easy warranty program. Now, the availability of a hybrid model makes it even more attractive for those wanting better fuel economy but not ready to make the step to electric.

At the time of last year’s awards it had only been on the market for a few months and sales had been modest because it was new. However, since then, its popularity has exploded and it’s got 6,807 sales under its belt to the end of March 2026 (or up 103.9 per cent on 2025).

If it’s a low price of entry you’re after, the Tiggo 4 is difficult to go past in the small SUV segment. Prices start at just $23,990 driveaway for the entry-level Urban and it’s very well equipped for the price, including a full active safety suite, dual-zone climate control air-conditioning with rear air vents, and dual 10.25-inch screens for the driver and infotainment system. Chery’s aftersales program is excellent value as well, covering the Tiggo 4 for seven years. Capped price servicing is also reasonable: just $1445 for five years/75,000km of motoring, which equates to just $289 per year.

What the Tiggo 4 in 2026 offers in addition to the early 2025 version is a 1.5-litre hybrid drivetrain that reduces its fuel consumption and gives those looking to save on fuel another option in the market. However, the gap in price to the hybrid is a significant $6000, so do your sums to figure out which drivetrain is best for you.

Regardless of the drivetrain, the Tiggo 4 offers a punchy drivetrain for the segment and its driving experience is comfortable, though its ride quality is a bit too soft so that even smaller bumps are noticeable. Still, its cabin is good quality and the interior is sensibly practical, too. The tall body gives excellent headroom, and its 380-litre boot opens up to 1225 litres with the rear seats folded.

Overall, the Chery Tiggo 4 is not quite a perfect car, but it is ideal value for money. There are other small SUVs priced around the same level as the Tiggo 4 like the MG ZS Vibe and Mahindra XUV 3XO AX5L but the Tiggo 4 Urban is better equipped than both of those cars, as well as better finished on the inside. No wonder it’s selling so strongly in Australia.

Honda HR-V e:HEV

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Price: From $39,900 drive away (e:HEV X)
Drivetrain: 1.5-litre four-cylinder hybrid, e-CVT auto, FWD
Outputs: 96kW/253Nm
Combined fuel economy: 4.3L/100km
Warranty: Five-year/unlimited km
Five-year service cost: $995 ($1999 per year)

The Honda HR-V is one of the most dependable options in the small SUV segment, with a wide range of talents. Pricing starts at $32,900 driveaway, though the entry-level hybrid is $39,900 driveaway. It’s only available as a four-seater in Australia, which may be unsuitable depending on your situation. Features like rear air vents – which we think all cars should feature as standard – are also only available on the top-spec e:HEV L. If those issues don’t bother you, the HR-V is a great choice, especially if you’re an urban dweller.

There are two drivetrains available in Australia for the HR-V – a 1.5-litre petrol or a 1.5-litre hybrid – and if you’re wondering, the hybrid is the clear choice as it’s not only more powerful than the petrol but more refined and a lot more fuel efficient as well. The HR-V is a good thing to drive too, with a nimble chassis, planted ride quality and hybrid system that doesn’t just give you a wall of noise when you plant the throttle. Around town, the HR-V is easy to drive and its active safety features feel as though they’re assisting – not constantly correcting – you.

The interior of the HR-V is typically Honda-high quality, with cool touches like the climate control knobs lighting up blue or red when adjusting the temperature and side air vents that can be set to direct airflow towards the roof. Storage is plentiful and front seat comfort is good too, though electric adjustment would be a nice feature to have. The 9.0-inch central touchscreen could be sharper but it’s a breeze to use and features sat-nav, DAB+ digital radio and wireless smartphone mirroring.

Turning to the back seat reveals the HR-V’s party piece in the small SUV segment: its excellent packaging. The rear seat is one of the roomiest in the segment with excellent legroom and headroom for two adults. Amenities include a centre armrest, map pockets and door pockets, with the upper-spec e:HEV L further adding the aforementioned air vents and USB charging ports as well.

Slightly making up for the lack of a fifth seat is Honda’s ‘Magic Seats’ system, which allows for a completely flat floor with the rear seats folded, but their coolest trick is that the seat base folds up to rest against the backrest, and combined with the flat floor, taller items like plants or furniture can be carried in the rear cabin. The boot is not massive at 304 litres, though that extends to a large 1274L with the rear seats folded. Annoyingly, there’s no spare wheel.

All in all, if you can get past the lack of a fifth seat and the fact the starting price might be higher than you’d expect, plus that some features we expect in all models are limited to the top-spec car, the Honda HR-V is a sure choice for an urban small SUV. It’s quite fuel efficient as a hybrid, enjoyable to drive around town, good quality inside, quite practical and very cheap to service as well.

MG ZS Hybrid+

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Price: From $29,990 drive away (Excite Hybrid+)
Drivetrain: 1.5-litre four-cylinder hybrid, CVT auto, FWD
Outputs: 150kW/310Nm
Combined fuel economy: 4.7L/100km
Warranty: Seven-year/unlimited km (extendable to 10 years/250,000km with dealer servicing)
Five-year service cost: $1980 ($396 per year)

The overall winner of Wheels Best Small SUV 2025 now includes a wider ZS range which has enhanced its value proposition. The petrol model makes it the cheapest SUV on sale in Australia currently, while the Hybrid+ starts from $30,990 driveaway for the Excite model ($33,990 for the upper-spec Essence).

The ZS range is slightly confusing as the Excite trim doesn’t exist in the petrol models, just the base Vibe and top-spec Essence, but the Essence Hybrid+ is a reasonable $3000 more than the Vibe Turbo that it’s positioned similarly to in the line-up. In addition to the hybrid drivetrain, it has more features like roof rails, LED headlights, larger 12.3-inch displays, a 360-degree camera and three driving modes to better tailor the driving experience to a driver’s tastes. That’s in addition to automatic climate control, 17-inch alloy wheels and the MG Pilot suite of active safety features.

MG’s seven-year/unlimited km coverage is long, but if you service through an MG service centre during that period and beyond, you earn extra warranty up to 10 years/250,000km in total, which is one of Australia’s longest warranty terms. In an extra bit of value for owners, the ZS Hybrid+ costs just $1232 to service over five years, making it quite cheap to run.

The ZS’ cabin is good quality and spacious for its size. The dashboard layout is modern and dominated by the large 12.3-inch touchscreen, which is a bit slow but well featured. The large part-digital driver’s display is basic though, and we wish it was a fully-digital screen like in the larger HS and QS models. Rear seat space is good for the segment, while the boot measures a healthy 443 litres with the seats up and 1457 litres with them folded.

The ZS Hybrid+ is satisfying to drive, with a nimble chassis and reasonable steering. It’s reasonably refined at speed, while its 158kW hybrid system is punchy too. Fuel consumption is rated at 4.7L/100km, which is impressively low, though not quite as good as a Nissan Qashqai e-Power or Toyota Corolla Cross. Still, the ZS is a lot more affordable than those models, and presents the best fuel economy for those wanting to spend a maximum of $30,000 on an SUV.

Even though it’s more expensive than the petrol models, the MG ZS Hybrid+ is a great value choice in the small SUV segment thanks to its low pricing, long standard equipment list, roomy cabin, pleasant driving experience and fuel efficient hybrid drivetrain. We think that the Hybrid+ drivetrain is definitely the one to get.

Nissan Qashqai e-Power

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Price: From $45,640 plus on-road costs
Drivetrain: 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder hybrid, CVT auto, FWD
Outputs: 140kW/311Nm
Combined fuel economy: 4.1L/100km
Warranty: Five-year/unlimited km (extendable up to 10 years/300,000km with dealer servicing)
Five-year service cost: $1995 ($399 per year)

The Nissan Qashqai – often nicknamed the cash cow – has been one of Nissan’s most successful products ever, and many rivals owe their existence to it. While smaller SUVs were not a new concept, the Qashqai was unique in that it replaced a regular hatchback, thus likely starting their slow death… Thanks Nissan. But regardless, the Qashqai is a very successful product with over five million sales since 2007 and the latest version is a very good product -– if you can get past the high starting price.

The latest Qashqai has just been gifted Nissan’s latest-generation ‘e-Power’ hybrid system, which is now the only available drivetrain in Australia. It combines a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine with an electric motor and small battery, but unlike rivals Toyota and Honda’s hybrid systems, e-Power’s engine never directly powers the wheels, instead, it acts as a generator for the electric motor. Total system outputs are 140kW/311Nm, though it makes an extra 10kW in sport mode.

Part of the latest-generation system is a lower combined fuel consumption figure of just 4.1L/100km, which is an improvement over the previous system’s 5.2L/100km rating and even better than the Toyota Corolla Cross’ 4.2L/100km rating. Because only the electric motor powers the wheels, the Qashqai is smoother than its main rival and feels quite peppy as acceleration from the electric motor is instant. It drives well overall; it’s comfortable and refined, and handles well too.

Elsewhere, the Qashqai presents a high quality and practical cabin for the segment. A new 12.3-inch touchscreen is standard across the range and it’s easy to use though a bit slow, while there is plenty of storage in the front cabin, including a large tray underneath the centre console.

Pleasingly, Nissan does physical buttons really well and no features are hidden in the screen, unlike some rivals. The rear seat is spacious and the boot reasonably healthy at 404 litres with the rear seats up and 1328 litres with them folded.

The biggest potential problem for the Qashqai is its pricing. Because it’s built only in the UK, it costs more to import than, say, a Japanese-built Corolla Cross. Pricing starts at $45,640 plus on-road costs or around $50,000 driveaway for the entry-level ST-L, which is almost $10,000 more than the Corolla Cross. The Qashqai is definitely a better car, but considering the price gap, will buyers agree? We’re not sure. Regardless, the Qashqai is very worth consideration as a hybrid small SUV.

Toyota Corolla Cross

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Price: From $37,440 plus on-road costs
Drivetrain: 2.0-litre four-cylinder hybrid, e-CVT auto, FWD or e-AWD
Outputs: 146kW (no peak torque figure provided)
Combined fuel economy: 4.2L/100km
Warranty: Five-year/unlimited km
Five-year service cost: $1275 ($255 per year)

The Corolla Cross is Toyota’s ‘Goldilocks’ offering in the small SUV segment, sitting above the Yaris Cross and below the C-HR in pricing, though it’s actually more practical than both of its siblings. Updated not long ago, the Corolla Cross is now more expensive starting at $37,440 plus on-road costs, but it’s been given more standard equipment across the range, particularly the mid-spec GXL, and somehow it’s now even more fuel efficient rated from just 4.2L/100km.

Four models are on offer in Australia: Entry-level GX, mid-spec GXL, luxurious Atmos and sporty GR Sport, the latter of which is new and features revised suspension and steering for a sportier driving experience. We think that the GXL is the value pick of the range as it picks up a lot of important standard features like roof rails, leather-accented seat trim, heated front seats, rear USB ports, automatic wipers and a larger 10.5-inch touchscreen over the lesser GX.

All Corolla Cross models in Australia use a 2.0-litre hybrid drivetrain making 146kW of power, with power sent to the front wheels in most models, or all-wheel drive with an electric rear axle optionally on the GXL and Atmos, and as standard in the top-spec GR Sport. Regardless of model, the Corolla Cross drives well for the segment with a great chassis, communicative steering and a planted feeling on the road – the latter especially with all-wheel drive models thanks to their independent rear suspension set up, though they annoyingly don’t feature a spare wheel.

The cabin of the Corolla Cross is quite similar in look to the regular Corolla with an almost identical dashboard layout, though the lower centre console was given a new layout in the facelift and is now more practical than before. There’s plenty of cabin space in the Corolla Cross too, particularly in the rear with its tall roofline, while the boot measures from a small 380 litres in the top-spec Atmos AWD to a healthier 425L in the GX and GXL 2WD models.

As you’d expect for a Toyota, the servicing is cheap at just $1,275 for the first five years and servicing at a Toyota dealership extends the mechanical warranty to seven years in total, and the battery warranty to 10 years in total if annual battery checks are performed. It’s clear that while the Corolla Cross is not cheap to buy, its running costs are very low. Plus, it’s practical, great to drive in the segment, surprisingly punchy, well equipped across the range and overall, a great all-rounder.

Lexus LBX

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Price: From $47,200 plus on-road costs
Drivetrain: 1.5-litre three-cylinder hybrid, CVT auto, FWD or e-AWD
Outputs: 100kW (no peak torque figure available)
Combined fuel economy: 3.8L/100km
Warranty: Five-year/unlimited km
Five-year service cost: $3225 ($645 per year)

The Lexus LBX is the brand’s smallest ever product and was the winner of the over $50,000 section of Wheels Best Small SUVs in 2025. Sitting underneath the UX, the LBX is heavily based on the Toyota Yaris Cross, though has completely different styling and a new interior befitting the Lexus badge. The LBX’s cabin quality is generally quite good with ample soft touch materials, and generally high quality materials used throughout.

The rear cabin, however, is small and while the front-drive model’s 402-litre boot is larger than you’d expect (the all-wheel drive car reduces that to just 315L), rear seat space is tight and it’s light on amenities with no air vents, for example (though there are two USB-C charging ports). The LBX’s front cabin is reasonably practical, featuring plenty of storage space, including an under-dashboard tray and door bins that can hold medium-sized bottles.

There are two trim levels of the hybrid LBX offered in Australia: entry-level Luxury and upper-spec Sports Luxury. Both models are well equipped, including 18-inch alloy wheels, LED lighting, synthetic leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, an electric driver’s seat, a 12.3-inch digital driver’s display, a 9.8-inch touchscreen with live services and a full suite of safety features – the more expensive Sports Luxury then adds leather and suede upholstery, a heated steering wheel, a head-up display and punchy 13-speaker Mark Levinson audio.

As we’ve seen from most other new Lexus products over the past decade, the LBX’s driving experience is quite positive. It’s fun to drive and encourages you to drive it harder, while it’s also very easy to manoeuvre in city driving thanks to its direct steering and good visibility. The ride quality is a bit unsettled at lower speeds thanks to the standard 18-inch wheels, but as you’d expect for a Lexus, it’s still quite comfortable.

If its size suits you, the Lexus LBX is a good option to consider in the small SUV segment. Based on the already well-rounded Yaris Cross, the LBX adds more refinement, a more luxurious feeling inside, more standard features and is even better to drive. It’s not super practical so some may find it to be too small, and it’s not cheap to buy or service, but its hybrid drivetrain is quite fuel efficient.

Range Rover Evoque PHEV

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Price: From $101,900 plus on-road costs
Drivetrain: 1.5-litre turbo four-cylinder plug-in hybrid, eight-speed auto, AWD
Outputs: 227kW/540Nm
Electric range: 66km
Combined fuel economy: 2.1L/100km
Warranty: Five-year/unlimited km
Five-year service cost: $2300 ($460 per year)

One of the smartest moves that Land Rover ever made was taking the luxurious Range Rover package and distilling it into a smaller, more fashionable model. That model was the Evoque, and to date, it’s sold over one million units. Today’s Evoque is the second-generation model and it’s even more luxurious, better equipped, better to drive and much more expensive than generation one.

Pricing starts at $85,400 plus on-road costs for the entry level P250 Hoxton Edition, and the plug-in hybrid P300e Autobiography sits above it priced from $101,900 +ORC. Those are the only two models on offers and familiar with previous Evoque models will be quite surprised given that there used to be some 25+ individual models available. In a move for those previously confused with the line-up, the options list has also been significantly reduced as well.

The P300e plug-in hybrid drivetrain combines a turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine with an 85kW electric motor that draws power from a 15kWh battery, giving a WLTP-rated electric range of 62km. Combined with the petrol engine, the Evoque P300e makes 227kW/540Nm, comfortably more than the 184kW/365Nm 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine. The Evoque’s driving experience is very comfortable, as you’d expect for a luxurious product, and it handles pretty well too. Plus, unlike any of its hybrid rivals, it will also go reasonably far off road if you need it to.

Inside the Evoque is a high quality cabin with lots of exotic materials and big screens that are quite easy to use. The front seats are very comfortable, and the back seat is also reasonably spacious too given the Evoque’s smaller dimensions – two six-footers will be fine, with three fitting at a pinch. The Evoque’s 472-litre boot is good for its size, though it only opens up to 1156L with the rear seats folded.

The Evoque still provides a very comfortable and luxurious experience in the Range Rover line-up. It uses a powerful and efficient plug-in hybrid that offers a good all-electric range, it drives well and its cabin quality is excellent. The boot could be larger, however, and it’s also more expensive than it used to be, with pricing starting at over $100k not including on-road costs or optional extras. However, luxury isn’t cheap and if you get past those issues, there’s a lot to like about the Range Rover Evoque P300e.

BMW X1 xDrive25e

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Price: From $79,500 plus on-road costs
Drivetrain: 1.5-litre turbo three-cylinder plug-in hybrid, seven-speed dual-clutch auto, AWD
Outputs: 180kW/477Nm
Range: 78km
Combined fuel economy: 2.1L/100km
Warranty: Five-year/unlimited km
Five-year service cost: $2495 ($499 per year)

BMW’s smallest SUV is now in its third generation, and this one might be its best yet. For starters, it’s offered with a wide range of powertrains: petrol, mild-hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric, and each model offers competitive performance and efficiency. It’s also high quality inside, quite well equipped across the range and more practical than previous models too. While the X1 range starts at $66,700 plus on-road costs for 2026, the plug-in hybrid variant asks $79,500 +ORC, which is curiously $2000 more than the all-electric iX1.

The plug-in hybrid is the newest drivetrain offered in the X1 range, and launched as part of a recent 2026 model year update. It combines a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine with an 80kW electric motor and 16.3kWh battery for a WLTP claimed 78km of electric driving range. The system makes keen 180kW/477Nm peak outputs, making the X1 xDrive25e feel quite pokey from behind the wheel.

As the xDrive part of its name suggests, the X1 PHEV is all-wheel drive, and traction is excellent, as is its handling. On the road, the X1 presents a well-tuned ride quality and feels solid at speed. The plug-in hybrid’s range is good, though its peak charging speed could be improved – it only offers slower AC charging, so full charges will take longer than if it were able to be DC fast charged. BMW claims combined fuel consumption of just 2.1L/100km if charged, though even if you don’t charge it, you’ll likely still see under 6L/100km.

Inside, the X1 features excellent quality materials and plenty of technology, including the latest version of BMW’s iDrive operating system. Unlike larger BMW models, the centre display is only a touchscreen, which can be a bit frustrating at speed as the screen’s menu structure can be a bit confusing and the icons are small. But the system is fully featured and quick, plus the screen quality is excellent.

The X1’s is larger and more practical practical than you’d expect for a product that fits into the small SUV segment. The front cabin features big door bins, a funky centre console bridge and a huge back seat that two tall adults would be quite comfortable sitting in. The boot measures a large for the segment 490 litres – that’s 50L less than the X1 but still a good size, and a large 1495 litres of space is unlocked by folding the rear seats.

Overall, the BMW X1 is a strong contender for the best hybrid small SUV. It’s not cheap to buy, but is a well-rounded product that deserves strong consideration thanks to its practicality, good range and performance, long list of standard equipment and well-tuned safety features.